The sun was just peeking out of the sky as early dawn broke over the World Equestrian Center. The second time in history that the Mustangs made it to the final day of the NCEA Championships and we felt ready. 

The team did a bunch of cheers and really got hyped up, and the cheers from the other teams made us feel ready to take on the Tigers.  I laughed a little when I say the other teams wearing our colors and holding signs that said “hunting season” and displayed mustangs on top and tigers on the bottom. Our team added a little glitter face art for good measure, and turned to face our competitors. Let the games begin! 

We intimidated the other term right from the start with our reigning team grabbing all 4 points. Then we added a little drama when one of the Auburn horsemanship girls was given a foul for drawing blood on her horse’s side. Zero for Auburn and 3 for SMU. The Western team members had dominated, and now it was time for the English team to bring home the win.

The flat riders did not disappoint, earning two points and a tie to put Auburn on the defensive. SMU only needed one point from the fences riders to ensure the championships. When the very first rider earned her point, the  whole stadium erupted in cheers and happy tears.

The SMU Equestrian team just made history. We won our first national championship in Equestrian. It was well-deserved and hard-earned, but it made all the ups and downs of the 22/23 season worth the victory.  Now it’s time to get some much-needed sleep.